The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1887-06-16
AN APPEAL.

To Farmers, Gardeners and the Press.
It is well known by all who are In
terested in farming or gardening that
the annual loss sustained from the in
iuries of certain insects is very great.
In many cases the total value Of large
crops is destroyed; but careful esti-
mates show that the average loss
throughout America is equal to, Or ex-
ceeds, one-tenth the total value of all
the products Of the farm and garden.
In many places systematic efforts have
been made to determine the habits of
injurious insects, and remedies against
their ravages. That success has fol-
lowed these efforts, and that the dam
age sustained has been greatly lessen
ed by the application of remedies
according to the direction of scientific
Investigations, is evidenced by the
large annual appropriations made by
the nation and by some of the northern
States to continue these Investigations.
Thus far no systematic efforts have
been made in North Carolina to aid
agricultualsts in lessening the destruct-
ion caused by these pests.
I have noticed that the different pa
pers in the State are generally prompt
to publish any communication relating
to the habits of an injurious species,
and remedies for the same. Many
times these are copied in other papers,
but at best they reach only a very
small number of people in the State
who might be profted by the knowl-
edge impaired. AS the study of the
habits of insects, and remedies for
insect ravages, is part of my special
work, I am anxious to enter upon sys-
tematic work, with the object to col
lect specimens of injurious insects with
illustrations of their work from all
parts Of the State, that I may study
their habits, when [ find they are I'M
known, and have at command the facts
from which communications of eminent
value to the State can from time to
time be impaired to those whose inter
ests will be affected. The board of
agriculture has kindly allowed me the
use of the Bulletin as a medium of
communication with the people from
different parts of the State; that [ may
aid them in the collection of valuable
facts. The object of this appeal is to
induced all, who have any interest in
the development of the agricultural
and related industries of the State, to
take note of injurious insects and dis
eased plants, and to send specimens of
each with illustrations of the work of
insects when possible to me. I empha-
size diseased plants because many times
the insects are so small they are unob-
served, and also because I am giving
some special attention to parasitic
fungi. Specimens of diseases insects
are also desired that [ may study the
nature of the disease with a view of
its propagation as an insectitude.
Where reports are necessary [ will
furnish communications for publica-
ton in the Buletlsne and State papers,
and in important cases I will reply
Immediately by letter to the cores
pondent.
The appeal is made to all, but it is
requested that in each neighborhood,
or town, n or two persons, who have
some time and the disposition, will
give some special attention to the mat
ter, that [ car have some regular COR
respondents, and the communities can
have some one to consult. Such a
person, or persons, in every community
in the State might have a very inter<
esting occupation for a part of their
time and confer incalculable benefit
upon the community and the State.
State papers having at heart the de-
velopment of agriculture are earnestly
requested to copy this appeal and urge
upon the people the necessity for the
collection and dissemination of knowl,
edge which can but add to the value
of the States resources. Correspon.
dence is desired. Send all specimens
and communications to-
GEO. F. ATKINSON.
University of N. c., Chapel Hill, N. G.
CROP ROTATION.